NSF ERC EARTH Industry Day & Site Visit

Scott Tease

HPC/Sovereign AI

AMD

https://www.linkedin.com/in/scott-tease-24b03569/

CVP, HPC and Sovereign AI Business Development

Mark Shiflett

Foundation Distinguished Professor and J.L. Constant Distinguished Professor of Chemical and Petroleum Engineering and ERC EARTH Center Director

University of Kansas

https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-shiflett-b451b317/

Mark Shiflett is a chemical engineer whose work advances environmentally friendly, energy‑efficient industrial processes, building on nearly three decades at DuPont where he helped develop non‑ozone‑depleting refrigerants and earned major professional honors. He continues to drive sustainable chemical innovation through extensive patents, publications, and leadership within the engineering community.

Jennifer Schaefer

Sheehan Family Collegiate Professor of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering at the University of Notre Dame and NSF ERC EARTH Center Deputy Director

University of Notre Dame

https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennifer-schaefer-7a40b53b/

Dr. Jennifer Schaefer is the Sheehan Family Collegiate Professor of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering at the University of Notre Dame and serves as Deputy Director of the Environmentally Applied Refrigerant Technology Hub (EARTH). Her research focuses on ion transport and interfacial phenomena in electrochemical energy storage systems, including the development of polymer electrolytes and advanced battery materials that support safer and more sustainable technologies. At Notre Dame and within EARTH, she leads collaborative efforts that connect fundamental materials research with workforce development and innovation to advance solutions for a sustainable energy and refrigerant future.

Ichiro Takeuchi

Professor and Chair Electrical and Computer Engineering

University of Maryland

https://www.linkedin.com/in/ichiro-takeuchi-5b2a9427a/

Dr. Ichiro Takeuchi is a Professor and Chair of Materials Science and Engineering at the University of Maryland, recognized for pioneering combinatorial materials science and machine learning for materials discovery. He directs the Combinatorial Synthesis Lab, focusing on superconducting devices, caloric cooling, and functional thin films. He is a fellow of the APS, MRS, and JSAP.

Gianna Valentino

Assistant Professor of Materials Science and Engineering

University of Maryland

https://www.linkedin.com/in/gianna-valentino-759bb782/

Gianna M. Valentino investigates how deformation mechanisms and interfacial design shape the performance of advanced structural materials, working at the intersection of mechanics and materials. Her research spans refractory metals for extreme environments, shape‑morphing and functionally graded metals, and materials with competing properties, all aimed at understanding and engineering damage pathways to optimize material functionality.

Casey Williams

Industry Liaison Officer

University of Kansas

https://www.linkedin.com/in/caseywilliamsphd/

Dr. Casey Williams serves as the Industry Liaison Officer for EARTH, leading partnerships across the HVACR value chain. With experience consulting for edtech and tech startups and working at the intersection of academia and industry, Casey specializes in translating research into real-world innovation. He has advised early-stage teams on strategy, product development, and data-driven decision-making while facilitating collaborations that accelerate commercialization. At EARTH, Casey is the primary point of contact for industry members, ensuring clear communication, aligned priorities, and strong integration between research and industry needs.

Jennifer Sprague

Director, EARTH Education and Outreach

University of Kansas

https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennifer-sprague-7a61538a/

Jennifer Sprague serves as the Education and Outreach Director for the Environmentally Applied Refrigerant Technology Hub (EARTH), where she leads engineering workforce development and outreach initiatives across partner institutions. She collaborates with faculty, industry, and community stakeholders to design programs that advance student engagement, inclusive recruitment, mentorship, and career pathways connecting education, research, and industry. With experience in higher education, technical program design, and partnership development, she is committed to strengthening academic-industry collaboration and fostering innovation and belonging in STEM education.

Ellyn Lester

Assistant Dean of Construction and Architectural Technologies

Pennsylvania College of Technology

https://www.linkedin.com/in/ellynlester/

Ellyn Lester is a leader in architecture and construction education whose career was shaped by early experiences on construction sites and a long-standing passion for the built environment. After building extensive industry and leadership experience across architectural firms and academic institutions, she now inspires emerging creators at Penn College, where she brings together her background in journalism, architectural marketing, and built‑environment advocacy to equip students for impactful careers.